Bogus doctors exploiting the vulnerable: Health Minister must address toxic trend

The prevalence of unregistered individuals advertising dubious cures and performing potentially life-threatening medical procedures must be tackled by the Department of Health as a matter of urgency.

These bogus doctors prey on unsuspecting and, in many instances, desperate members of the public through blanket advertising that includes a range of fraudulent promises. The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has argued that the dangers of unregistered practitioners extend beyond financial losses to medical disasters, such as maternal mortality as a result of botched abortion procedures. 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) joins SAMA in its calls for the Department of Health to improve its basic health care facilities to counteract the desperation of the most vulnerable members of our society. 

In addition, I will be submitting questions to the Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, to determine what steps he is taking to stop unregistered medical practitioners from advertising and continuing their activities. 

The DA reaffirms that only people who are healthy, energetic and mobile are able to properly use their talents, follow their dreams and care for their families.

It is the responsibility of this government to ensure that there is sufficient emphasis on providing affordable, high-quality and easily accessible health care which does not create the kind of desperation that drives South Africans to bogus doctors, and it is the responsibility of the Minister of Health to ensure appropriate oversight over medical practitioners. 

I will focus attention on this matter and call for its resolution through every available parliamentary channel. 

Statement issued by Patricia Kopane MP, DA Shadow Minister of Health, June 10 2012

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